The Planet Paintball Podcast

🔥 TORN MCL. TWO MONTHS OUT. FROM D6 TO D3 IN ONE YEAR. THIS IS WHAT GRINDING LOOKS LIKE.

Aidan’s paintball season could have been derailed by a serious injury. Instead, he came back hungry and pushed himself to a whole new level.

After tearing his MCL at the CFOA Ten Man Classic, Aidan spent two months recovering and coaching from the sidelines. But he wasn't done.

💥 From D6 to D3 in a single year.
🏆 Two tournament wins in ONE DAY.
💪 Training at home, improving his fitness, and putting in the work to get better.
🎯 Snapshooting drills, running-and-gunning, and practicing with his left hand.

But the biggest lesson? There are levels to this game. Moving up means getting humbled, learning faster, and working harder.

Aidan’s passion for paintball is obvious—and with 14 events on his schedule, he’s just getting started!

🎙️ Hear Aidan’s story on The Planet Paintball Podcast!

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #CFOA #CompetitivePaintball #PaintballLife #TheGrind

Championships, Legacy & Proving Yourself | Julian Maliszewski | The Planet Paintball Podcast

🏆 TWO TEAMS. A CHAMPIONSHIP. A LEGACY TO LIVE UP TO.

Julian Maliszewski joins The Planet Paintball Podcast to talk about a huge weekend in competitive paintball. From winning the ICPL Five-Man Series Championship with Aftershock to finishing third with the All Americans, Julian reflects on the victories, the friendships, and the lessons that make this sport special.

But this conversation goes deeper than trophies.

We discuss what it means to carry a respected family name in the paintball community, the pressure of living up to a legacy, and the personal growth that comes from competing alongside some of the sport’s best.

Julian also shares memorable moments from the field, including the physical exhaustion of a muddy woodsball match and what it means to push yourself when you feel like you have nothing left.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:

• 🏆 Winning the ICPL Five-Man Series Championship with Aftershock

• 🥉 Competing with the All Americans and finishing third

• 🤝 Team chemistry, friendships, and the bonds built through competition

• 👊 Carrying on a family legacy in paintball

• 🧠 Handling pressure and proving yourself

• 💪 Pushing through exhaustion and adversity

• 📈 Growing as both a player and a person

💬 “By the end of this year, I feel like I actually filled those shoes.”

What does it take to earn your place in a sport with such a rich history? Julian shares his perspective on honoring the past while building his own future in paintball.

🔗 CONNECT WITH JULIAN & THE PAINTBALL COMMUNITY

📸 Julian Maliszewski on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/julianthewhale/

🎗️ Paintball for Purpose on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/paintballforpurpose/

🌐 Paintball for Purpose Website:
https://paintballforpurpose.com/

🎯 T2F Coaching on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/t2fcoaching/

💥 Chicago Aftershock on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chicagoaftershock/

🔧 DLX Technologies on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dlxtechnologies/

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE to The Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with the players, teams, field owners, and personalities who make this sport what it is.

📢 Like the video, leave a comment, and share it with your paintball crew!

The Planet Paintball Podcast — Probing the divisional pits so you don’t have to.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #ICPL #Aftershock #AllAmericans #CompetitivePaintball #PaintballPodcast

Stop Just Watching Paintball. Start Learning the Game | Steven “Splitty” Reyes

Are you listening to paintball podcasts just to hear people talk, or are you actually learning something you can take to the field?

On this episode of The Planet Paintball Podcast, Steven “Splitty” Reyes joins us to talk about getting real, actionable information out of paintball content—and how players can use it to elevate their game.

With years of podcast listening and coaching experience, Splitty believes there’s more to paintball media than stories and interviews. The goal is to find those little nuggets of information that make you a better player.

We discuss coaching, learning from others, breaking down gameplay, and expanding into YouTube film reviews and analysis to help players understand what’s happening on the field.

In this episode:

• Finding actionable information in paintball podcasts

• Using coaching experience to help players improve

• Turning podcast episodes into learning opportunities

• Why coaches and players should always keep learning

• Breaking down game footage and analyzing decisions

• Using YouTube film reviews to understand gameplay

• Becoming an active student of the game

The best players don’t just play paintball. They study it, learn from it, and constantly look for ways to improve.

Connect with Next Point Podcast and Performance Labs:

🎧 Listen to Next Point Podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5x2axkHnV9ygxP58vcuJx5

▶️ Watch Next Point Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@NextPointPodcast

📸 Follow Next Point Podcast on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nextpointpodcast/

💪 Follow Next Point Performance Labs on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nextpointperformancelabs/

🎙️ Subscribe to The Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with the players, coaches, teams, and people pushing paintball forward.

Don't just watch paintball. Learn the game.

#Paintball #PlanetPaintballPodcast #NextPointPodcast #PaintballCoaching #PaintballTraining #PaintballTips #CompetitivePaintball

Matchpoint Paintball: The App Built to Change How We Train, Compete & Connect

What if one app could help you train smarter, plan your season, study field layouts, and connect with the paintball community?

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter sits down with Elijah from Matchpoint Paintball to discuss his journey into the sport and the technology he's developing to help paintball grow.

With a background in sports and personal training, Elijah is bringing a fresh approach to paintball through an app designed to help players improve their skills, prepare for tournaments, organize events, and build connections across the community.

From reaction-time training and personalized workouts to a 3D field simulator and live pit features, we break down what Matchpoint Paintball offers and where it's headed next.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Elijah's journey into paintball and sports

• The inspiration behind the Matchpoint Paintball app

• Connecting players and building community

• Reaction timers and field training drills

• The 3D simulator and layout planning

• Personalized workouts and season preparation

• Subscription options and accessibility

• Offline functionality and data syncing

• Event planning and field management features

• Beta testing and future development

• Favorite paintball markers and gear

• How technology can help grow the sport

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction to Elijah and Matchpoint Paintball
00:41 - Elijah's Journey into Paintball and Sports
02:00 - The Inspiration Behind the Matchpoint App
04:00 - Core Features of the Matchpoint Paintball App
06:01 - Reaction Timer and Field Drills
08:01 - 3D Simulator and Layout Planning
10:04 - Subscription Model and App Accessibility
11:56 - Personalized Workouts and Season Planning
14:01 - Offline Capabilities and Data Syncing
16:00 - Community Features and Event Management
18:06 - The Future Vision for Matchpoint Paintball
20:04 - Beta Testing and Launch Plans
22:01 - Favorite Markers and Gear
23:57 - Technology's Role in Growing Paintball
26:05 - Closing Remarks and Shoutouts

“I just love the sport and I want to grow it.”

Paintball needs more than players competing on the field. It needs people building tools, creating opportunities, and finding new ways to bring the community together.

Check out this conversation to learn about Matchpoint Paintball and how technology could help players prepare, compete, and connect.

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with the players, teams, field owners, innovators, and people shaping the future of paintball.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #MatchpointPaintball #Paintball #PaintballTraining #PaintballApp #TournamentPaintball #PaintballCommunity #PaintballTechnology

Building the Royals, NGXL Competition & Getting Better at Paintball | Mikey

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter sits down with Mikey to discuss building the Royals, competing in the NGXL, adapting to different layouts, and improving performance on the field.

Mikey shares the story behind the Royals, reflects on the season, and breaks down the skills that help players compete at a higher level. From fitness and training drills to reading layouts and making smart decisions under pressure, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for tournament players.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Forming the Royals and developing team chemistry

• The NGXL season recap and team performance

• First tournament experiences

• Competing across multiple leagues

• Adapting to blind layouts

• Reading layouts and understanding game flow

• Improving accuracy, speed, and muscle memory

• Fitness and its impact on paintball performance

• Multitasking and making decisions under pressure

• Penalties, team growth, and tournament lessons

• Situational awareness and knowing when to be aggressive

• Future team goals and media projects

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction and Mikey's Paintball Background
01:10 - Formation of the Royals and Team Dynamics
02:05 - Season Recap: NGXL and League Performance
03:26 - First Experience at a Tournament
04:11 - Playing Multiple Leagues and Adapting to Layouts
05:23 - Layout Adaptability and Game Strategy
06:40 - Multitasking and Micro-Management
09:54 - Training Drills for Accuracy and Muscle Memory
11:48 - Analyzing Layouts and Game Flow
13:42 - Team Growth, Penalties, and Event Experiences
16:21 - Season Race and Team Performance
20:41 - Future Plans, Team Goals, and Media Projects

KEY TAKEAWAY: The ability to adapt to a layout, get your gun into position quickly, and recognize the right moment to be aggressive can make the difference in a gunfight.

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with tournament players, teams, field owners, and the people growing the sport.

Like, comment, and subscribe to support the show!

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #NGXL #TournamentPaintball #PaintballTraining #PlayerDevelopment #PaintballCommunity

From Woodsball to Speedball! Tristan from Life Alert | Planet Paintball Podcast

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter sits down with Tristan from Life Alert to talk about his journey into paintball, tournament experiences, gear preferences, and the impact the sport has had on his life.

From his first tournament to competing at major events, Tristan shares stories about team dynamics, comeback victories, learning the game, and making the transition from woodsball to speedball.

We also get into paintball content creation, YouTube growth, camera setups, pod running, game tactics, favorite fields, and the importance of getting more young players involved in the sport.

In this episode:

• Tristan's start in paintball and early influences

• His first tournament experience

• Starting a YouTube channel and creating content

• Attending major paintball events

• Team performance and comeback victories

• Growing youth participation in paintball

• Favorite markers, gear, and paintball brands

• Pod management and game tactics

• Favorite fields and tournament travel

• Playing in different weather conditions

• How paintball has shaped Tristan's life

• Filming gameplay and growing a YouTube audience

• Funny moments and memorable experiences

• A dad's perspective on Tristan's development

• The future of youth paintball

Whether you're a new player, a tournament veteran, or a young player looking to take the next step, this episode has plenty of stories and insights worth checking out.

The future of paintball starts with the next generation.

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with the players, teams, field owners, and creators growing the game.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #LifeAlert #Speedball #Woodsball #YouthPaintball #TournamentPaintball #PaintballYouTube #PaintballCommunity

Is Paintball Losing Control?

Hunter and Joshua Connelly sit down for a no-BS discussion about the current state of competitive paintball.

They break down recent events, controversial penalties, inconsistent rule enforcement, sideline coaching, player conduct, injuries, roster changes, and the decisions that continue to shape the sport.

The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming tournaments, team matchups, international competition, series points, league structure, and the future of player longevity.

In this episode:

• Team performances and roster changes

• Rule enforcement and controversial penalties

• Sideline coaching and video evidence

• Player conduct and league discipline

• Injuries and team readiness

• International teams and global competition

• Series points and league structure

• Team mergers and roster moves

• Player longevity and the changing game

• Upcoming tournaments and predictions

• The future direction of competitive paintball

From questionable calls to major roster changes, Hunter and Joshua take a hard look at where competitive paintball is right now — and where it could be headed.

Are the rules being enforced consistently?

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter sits down with Paul from Did it Hurt Paintball to talk about a paintball journey that started later in life and turned into a serious pursuit of competition, improvement, and community.

We get into the realities of playing paintball as you get older, dealing with injuries, staying motivated, and continuing to challenge yourself. Didithurt also shares what he has learned from playing alongside and against high-level players and why mentorship, loyalty, and team culture matter.

But this conversation goes beyond just playing the game.

We talk about pit etiquette, sportsmanship, humility, paintball history, league structures, player development, and the importance of carrying yourself with class — both on and off the field.

In this episode:

• Starting competitive paintball at 43
• Learning from pro and semi-pro players
• The importance of pit etiquette
• Team culture and player loyalty
• The growth of West Coast paintball
• Balancing age, injuries, and competition
• Mental models for improvement
• Setting personal goals and continuing to push yourself
• The evolution of paintball technology and formats
• Why new players should learn paintball history
• Respecting the players who built the sport
• Learning from losses and playing against better competition
• How different formats develop different skills
• Humility, character, and sportsmanship
• The importance of mentorship and community
• Women making an impact in paintball
• The future of league structures and regional competition
• Supporting divisional players and growing the sport

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest background
00:13 - Episode overview
06:30 - How paintball changed his life at 43
14:04 - Influence of top players and mentors
21:58 - Pit etiquette and team culture
31:50 - Growth of West Coast paintball leagues
44:18 - Balancing age, injuries, and passion
53:13 - Loyalty, strategy, and mental models
58:47 - Personal goals and the desire to win
1:04:55 - The evolution of paintball technology
1:15:02 - Community, camaraderie, and the future
1:22:48 - West Coast, Texas, and Florida paintball
1:33:16 - Women making an impact in paintball
1:35:29 - Lessons from Alex Franze and character
1:39:56 - Learning from pro players and losses
1:50:02 - What different formats can teach you
1:53:17 - Playing against pros and embracing challenges
1:56:37 - Humility, respect, and community
2:04:24 - Professionalism and your legacy
2:10:02 - Maintaining class on and off the field
2:24:21 - Legendary players and memorable stories
2:31:04 - Handling losses with humility
2:38:21 - The future of paintball league organization
2:41:50 - League formats, relegation, and regional events
2:48:18 - Community, mentorship, and growth
2:56:39 - The role of divisional players
3:07:46 - Share your journey and learn from mistakes
3:19:44 - Closing remarks

“Respect your history to grow.”

“Carry yourself with class.”

Paintball is bigger than winning a tournament. It's the people you learn from, the teams you build, the losses that make you better, and the way you carry yourself along the way.

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more stories from the divisional pits, regional leagues, national events, and the people who make paintball what it is.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #TournamentPaintball #WestCoastPaintball #PaintballHistory #PaintballCommunity #PaintballCulture #PlayerDevelopment #PaintballLife

Episode 148 — From Player to Paintball Media: Matthew Wiles on Community, Content & Growth

In Episode 148 of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Matthew Wiles joins Hunter to talk about his journey through paintball, regional competition, and becoming a media creator.

We dive into the growth of paintball in Ohio, the MSXL, Wrecking Crew, World Cup, and the importance of media in telling the stories that make this sport special.

Matthew also shares practical advice for anyone looking to create paintball content — including why you don't need expensive equipment to get started.

In this episode:

• Matthew's journey into paintball and media

• The growth of Ohio paintball and regional leagues

• MSXL and Wrecking Crew

• The importance of authenticity and community

• How media helps grow and promote paintball

• Tips for filming paintball events

• Shooting vertical video for Reels and social media

• Equipment choices and working with limited gear

• Building trust and relationships in the paintball community

• Giving back and supporting the sport

• Overcoming confidence issues as a creator

• Future projects and the direction of paintball media

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Matthew Wiles' background
01:10 - Authenticity and community in paintball media
04:55 - Practical tips for creating video content
08:45 - Giving back to the paintball community
10:59 - Equipment choices and shooting techniques
13:40 - Balancing work, life, and media projects
16:34 - The impact of community support
19:28 - Building confidence as a creator
22:27 - Future projects and media plans
24:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for creators

Check out Wiles Media:

Wiles Media on YouTube

Watch Wiles Media's featured video:

Wiles Media Video

The takeaway: You don't need the most expensive camera or the biggest production crew. You need consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to tell the story.

Subscribe to the Planet Paintball Podcast for more conversations with the players, teams, field owners, coaches, and people helping shape paintball.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Episode148 #Paintball #PaintballMedia #OhioPaintball #MSXL #WreckingCrew #WorldCupPaintball #PaintballCommunity #WilesMedia

EPISODE 147 — FROM PLANET PAINTBALL TO WORLD CUP: THE SEX PANTHER STORY

This week on the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter sits down with Sex Panther to talk about the journey from playing at Planet Paintball to competing on the national stage.

We get into the history, the teams, the wins, the failures, and the lessons learned along the way.

We also go deep on the current state of paintball, including:

• Tournament formats and what makes a great game
• Team strategy and building a competitive roster
• League structures and the idea of regional conferences
• Paint and equipment costs
• Field design and how layouts could improve
• The importance of original team branding and jersey designs
• World Cup experiences and lessons from major events
• The role of AI and technology in modern sports
• What paintball can do better moving forward

There’s plenty of old-school paintball history, tournament stories, strong opinions, and a few things we probably shouldn't say too loudly at the field.

“Don’t steal jersey ideas from other teams.”

Listen to Episode 146 of the Planet Paintball Podcast now.

Subscribe, listen, share, and let us know what you think.

#PlanetPaintballPodcast #Paintball #TournamentPaintball #WorldCupPaintball #NXL #PaintballHistory #CompetitivePaintball #PaintballCommunity